Equality and Non-Discrimination

Recognising sign languages as official languages

Unanimously adopting a draft resolution, based on a report prepared by Miren Edurne Gorrotxategui (Spain, UEL), the Committee on Equality called for the official recognition of sign languages. More

Promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market

09/10/2018

Equality and Non-Discrimination

Persons with disabilities encounter many obstacles to accessing the labor market, such as prejudice on their competences or the unwillingness of employers to provide reasonable accommodations,” regrets the committee. More

A call for the official recognition of sign languages

21/09/2018

Equality and Non-Discrimination

“Sign languages are used by millions of deaf people throughout the world and contribute to creating communication bridges between deaf and hearing people,” said Mrs Gorrotxategui on the eve of the International Day of Sign Languages. More

It’s time to end discrimination against rainbow families, says PACE committee

19/09/2018

Equality and Non-Discrimination

Declaring it “crucial and urgent” that European States overcome the discrimination experienced by both adults and children in rainbow families, a committee has called for the elimination of all unjustified differences in treatment. More

Rapporteur’s visit to Denmark focuses on ‘the inclusion of persons with disabilities on the labour market’

06/09/2018

Equality and Non-Discrimination

Parliamentary Assembly rapporteur Adão Silva will conduct a fact-finding visit to Denmark on 10-11 September, in the context of the preparation of his report entitled “For a disability-inclusive workforce”. More

As we remember the past, it is urgent to strengthen the fight against anti-Gypsyism

02/08/2018

Equality and Non-Discrimination

“Even as we pay tribute to the victims of the Roma genocide perpetrated during the Second World War, there are alarming signs that anti-Gypsyism is still rife in Europe,” said Gabriela Heinrich. More

Did you know?

Preventing and combating violence against women is one of the priorities of the committee. To this end, it has appointed a General rapporteur on violence against women who coordinates the Parliamentary Network "Women Free from Violence" and actively promotes the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Trafficking in human beings, a severe violation of human rights which affects women disproportionately, is also part of its mandate. Link to the campaign.

The Committee is also working on combating racism and created the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance, coordinated by the General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance.

In January 2018, Elvira Kovács (Serbia, EPP/CD) was elected as Chairperson of the Committee.